🍷 How to Say Cheers in French (Without Breaking Any Unwritten Rules)

Whether you’re clinking glasses at a cozy dinner in Paris or raising a toast at a summer apéro in the South of France, knowing how to say “cheers” in French—and doing it right—goes a long way. It’s more than just a word. It’s a ritual.

Let’s explore the French way to toast: from what to say, to how to say it… and a few things you really shouldn’t do.

Now, let’s see how to say cheers in French.

🥂 The Classic: Santé !

The most common way to say “cheers” in French is:
👉 Santé !
(Literally: “Health!”)

Yes, it might seem a bit ironic to shout “Health!” before downing a glass of wine or Champagne, but there’s actually a historical reason behind it. Back in the Middle Ages, people were a little suspicious of what might be in their drink—poison was a real concern. Toasting became a way of showing goodwill (and ideally, proving you hadn’t tampered with anyone’s cup). So, wishing “health” was kind of like saying, “Let’s all survive this together.” Sweet, right?

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 More Formal Toasts

If you want to be a bit more specific or polite, you can say:

À votre santé ! – To your health! (formal or plural)
À ta santé ! – To your health! (informal, singular)

Use votre if you’re toasting a group, your boss, your in-laws… anyone who deserves a bit of formality. Use ta with friends, family, or anyone you’re on tu terms with.

You might also hear a shortened version:

À la vôtre ! – To yours!
À la tienne ! – To yours!

Here’s how that might go:

— À ta santé !
— À la tienne !
(Translation: Cheers! Cheers to you too!)

🍷 The Casual Favorite: Tchin Tchin !

If you really want to sound like a local, try this one:
👉 Tchin tchin !

It’s playful, informal, and widely used in everyday situations. French people use it all the time with friends, family, or even friendly strangers at a bar. It mimics the sound of clinking glasses (tchin-tchin!) and adds a cheerful vibe to any toast.

So go ahead—say it with confidence. You’ll instantly blend in better than most tourists fumbling for “santé.”

You can also suggest:

— On trinque ?

Celebrating someone’s big day? Learn how to say happy birthday in French to make the moment special.

😬 The Other Rules You Need to Know

In France, toasting isn’t just about words. It comes with rituals. Some are good etiquette, some are based on superstition… and some are just part of the fun. Break them at your own risk! (Legend has it: seven years of bad luck… or bad sex. Your choice.)

Here are the unofficial but essential French rules of toasting:

🥂 Never toast with an empty glass. Fill it up, even just a little.
💧 Never toast with water. It’s considered bad luck. (Soft drinks? Acceptable, but not ideal.)
👀 Make eye contact as you clink glasses. Always. No glancing away.
❌ Don’t cross glasses. That’s also bad luck.
🙋 Clink with everyone. Yes, even the shy person hiding in the corner.
🛑 Don’t drink before everyone has toasted. Patience!
✋ Keep your glass in hand until you take the first sip.

Trust me—if you follow these, you’ll impress your French friends more than you think.

After learning how to make a toast, why not pick up the iconic French phrase c’est la vie! for life’s little ups and downs?

🧊 One Last (Important) Tip: About Ice…

This isn’t a superstition, just a serious cultural rule:

❄️ Don’t put ice in your wine or Champagne. Ever.

The only exception? Maybe a chilled rosé on a sweltering summer day, when it’s over 30°C, the wine didn’t cost much, and the bottle wasn’t cold enough. Otherwise… just don’t do it.

For more ways on how to translate cheers, have a look here.

🍾 Final Sip

So there you have it—Santé, tchin tchin, and all the delightful little rituals that come with raising a glass in French style. It’s not just about what’s in your glass—it’s about the moment, the connection, and the shared joy.

And now you’re ready to toast like a local.
Cheers to that—à la vôtre !

Celebrating with friends? Learn how to talk about them by saying friend in French.

When raising a glass, it’s also nice to give compliments—learn how to say beautiful in French to make the moment even better.